Supralathosea
Barnes & Benjamin, 1924
Supralathosea is a of medium-sized in the Oncocnemidinae, established by Barnes and Benjamin in 1924. The genus contains three : S. baboquivariensis, S. yavapai, and S. solastella, distributed in the southwestern United States and Mexico. are characterized by gray forewings with black margins and white hindwings. The genus was historically misplaced in Cuculliinae and Psaphidinae before molecular data confirmed its current subfamily placement.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Supralathosea: //ˌsjuː.prəˌlæ.θoʊˈsiə//
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Identification
Distinguished from related by unique female genital : broad, thick, of ductus bursae abutting corpus bursae, and asymmetric pear-shaped corpus bursae without signa. Male with bent uncus and spike-like pollex on valve. Former members S. pronuba and S. obtusa now placed in separate genera Infralathosea and Eulathosea based on genital differences.
Habitat
Madrean Archipelago of southeast Arizona (S. baboquivariensis); central Arizona (S. yavapai); Chihuahuan desert regions of Texas (S. solastella).
Distribution
United States: Arizona (southeast and central), New Mexico, Texas. Undoubtedly occurs in Mexico.
Seasonality
during much of the year, including winter months.
Behavior
Uncommon in collections despite year-round activity including winter.
Similar Taxa
- InfralathoseaFormerly included S. pronuba; separated based on distinct genital .
- EulathoseaFormerly included S. obtusa; separated based on distinct genital .
Misconceptions
Historically placed in Cuculliinae and Psaphidinae; molecular evidence confirmed Oncocnemidinae placement.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was originally described in 1924 by Barnes and Benjamin. Two former were removed to new genera Infralathosea and Eulathosea in a 2024 revision.